Cherishable | Yeonbin ✓

༉ 17 ∘

Ch - 17 - "tentative"

As a couple who went through an arranged marriage, they were no stranger to when other family members had done it as well. And this particular cousin of Soobin's probably had one of the most successful of their generation.

Choi Dongwoo, renowned songwriter for Woollim Entertainment, was so sickeningly in love with his husband that they just had to celebrate their anniversary every year in the presence of their family and friends. And his husband, Lee Howon, CEO of Lee Corporation, was all too happy to indulge (he, too, was sickeningly in love).

This year, it was to take place in the Lee family mansion in Gwangju. It was going to be an outdoor party and they were free to stay overnight if they needed to.

It was Yeonjun's first Choi family gathering since their wedding. (They had spent their first Christmas and New Year's alone together, to the insistence of both their families, so they had gone on a week-long trip to Jeju.)

"Are you nervous?" Soobin asked, as he drove them there.

From the passenger seat, Yeonjun gave him a confused look. "Should I be? I met Dongwoo-hyung and Howon-hyung at the wedding."

"Yeah, but you haven't met the rest of the family. Some of them were overseas or just aren't close enough in family relations to be invited. Dongwoo loves to throw parties so this is gonna be a big one. You'll have the Lee clan there too."

"Oh." Yeonjun bit his lip in worry. "Are your parents...?"

"They get invited every year and every year, they decline. Noona can't make it this year though. It's mostly the young people who get together now."

A sudden flash of annoyance appeared on Yeonjun's face. "So, Huening."

Soobin grinned at him, secretly pleased at his husband's jealousy. "He might be there. But don't worry" He reached over to take Yeonjun's hand and squeeze it, reassuringly. "ll only pay attention to you."

Yeonjun blushed but nonetheless, squeezed his hand back.

It astounded Soobin the significant changes and progress in their marriage. Although Yeonjun still blushed and was still shy about Soobin's affections, he had stopped rejecting them. He accepted hugs and kisses and flirtatious words and would sometimes respond on his own, stubborn way (meaning adorable pecks on his cheeks and extra servings in his bento lunch).

After their almost some months ago, Soobin could only feel the longing and hunger for his husband grow, but he respected Yeonjun too much to make him do something he wasn't comfortable with. Besides, the younger had made no move to finally consummate their marriage. They may be married, but their relationship was still on that tentative stage.

But, Soobin would be patient and wait. He just hoped that it would be soon.

He was eager to love his husband the way he deserved.

+×+

For early spring, the weather was not too cold, albeit a bit windy, but the sun was bright and the sky was clear.

Plastic chairs and tables were arranged neatly all over the giant green lawn. A heaping table filled with food and drinks was in a corner. And a large empty spot of grass was reserved for outdoor games they have provided like Frisbee, badminton, and soccer.

"Thank you all for coming" Dongwoo announced to the gathered Chois and Lees, bright smile on his face. "Today marks our 5th year of marriage, and we're honored to have you all come and celebrate this special day of all days for Howon and myself."

He turned his head to his husband, who smiled adoringly back at him. "With that, enjoy the food and games, everyone!"

The crowd clapped and hooted in response.

From their table, Soobin heard Yeonjun sigh, softly. He turned to look at him questioningly and was curious about the wistful look on the younger's face as he watched the other couple up front.

Finally, Yeonjun noticed his look. "What?" he asked.

"What are you thinking?"

The younger shrugged. "They were arranged too, weren't they?"

He looked pointedly at Dongwoo and Howon, who were both talking to a few family members. The couple had an arm each firmly wrapped around each other's waist. If they didn't know any better, they would have thought they were conjoined twins.

Soobin nodded. "They were."

Yeonjun hummed. "They really act like they're in love."

"That's because they are," Soobin replied.

A faint blush made its way to Yeonjun's cheeks. He coughed. "Ahh, that's... good. Good for them. Um... You want some food?"

Without waiting for Soobin's reply, Yeonjun stood up and headed for the buffet table.

Soobin spent the first twenty minutes of that party introducing Yeonjun to everyone as well as meeting new faces he had never met. Yeonjun was nervous, if his death grip on Soobin's arm was any indication, but it pleased the older that his younger husband was relying on him.

Gradually, Yeonjun began to relax and soon enough, he was off playing soccer with the other college-aged relatives he had met.

Soobin felt a wave of relief and joy seeing him so carefree like this. Yeonjun was swamped with assignments, projects, and tests and an overnight getaway was exactly what he needed.

They both needed it.

"Bin!"

Soobin looked up from his food to see a sweat soaked Yeonjun running up to him, a wide smile on his face.

"Howon-hyung's cousin is switching to badminton, so we need one more player for our team!" he announced.

Before Soobin could respond, Yeonjun grabbed his arm and dragged him towards the soccer game.

It didn't matter that Soobin was more of a basketball guy than soccer.

Yeonjun was clearly the star player in their team and the older was all too happy to watch him run around, scoring goals, and jumping into Soobin's back in joy when they won.

Overall, it had been a fun afternoon, one that Soobin treasured, greatly.

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